Chapter 8

A tall, handsome, self-assured young sentry was pacing back and forth in front of the prison when Esther appeared, next morning, with John’s breakfast-tray. He came briskly to attention as she approached, saluted gracefully, and made a candid inventory of her, with brightly approving eyes.

‘You have come to feed the prisoner?’ he inquired unnecessarily; and when Esther had smiled an affirmative, he said, ‘He is a lucky fellow!’

‘Yes—isn’t he?’ drawled Esther. ‘Such a nice place to spend these lovely autumn days.’

‘Let me have that tray,’ said the sentry, putting down his spear and extending his hands. ‘I’ll give it to him, and while he is eating we will get acquainted. My name is Algerius.’

‘And my name is Esther.’ She smiled, but held on to the tray. ‘And the girl in the kitchen is Claudia, who is expecting you to come and have some honey-cakes while I am giving your prisoner his breakfast.’

‘I don’t know about that,’ demurred the sentry, taking off his heavy helmet and mopping his brow. ‘If my captain were to hear of this, I should be flogged. And besides’—his voice lowered conspiratorially—’I’d much rather stay here and talk to you.’

‘What about?’ she demanded, suddenly cool.

Algerius readjusted his helmet and picked up his spear.

‘You say her name is Claudia?’

‘Yes—and you needn’t hurry back. I will be responsible for the prisoner.’

‘Here’s the key then.’

‘I have one.’

‘Sure you aren’t afraid?’

‘Of the prisoner?—No. He is very respectful.’ She put the tray down on the low stone wall.

‘And I am not,’ grumbled the lingering sentry, with a grin.

‘You could be, I think, with a little more practice—and quite a lot of encouragement.’

Having given the sentry time to be well on his way, she unlocked the door and invited John to come out into the sunshine.